Located on the East African plateau, almost completely within the Nile basin, Uganda has an average altitude of about 1,100m, its slopes descending to the Sudanese Plain to the north, while its centre is dominated by Lake Kyoga, surrounded by extensive marshy areas, and in south occupy a part of the shore of Lake Victoria. Although generally equatorial, the climate is not uniform as large variations in the altitude modify the climate. Therefore, it is no wonder that the country has 60 protected areas, including ten national parks, and two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, being home to a vast number of species of plants and animals. In the postcard are four of the most popular species to live in this country, four of the "big five" (missingonlythe African leopard).